1872.] W. E. Brooks — Gashrnir Birds. 77 
beyond the Pir Panjal range. In Cashmir proper, the only stonechat 
I observed was P. Indica, which extends up to tlieScind valley nearly as far 
as Gloond. 
1 A yi h I .v rtjfilata. — This bird, like Si ph id leucomelanura, breeds in 
the immature or female dress. I shot several pairs which were nesting, and 
saw others. Only one pair had the male mature, and differing from the 
female. It nests in holes in bank sides, under tree roots, or fallen tree 
trunks. The eggs, 4 in number, are bluish white, very faintly marked 
towards the larger end with the palest reddish brown. Iliose markings can 
only be seen upon a close inspection. Length ’74 by '56 inch. 
Calliope pectoealis. — Found beyond the Pir Panjal pass, frequenting 
large heds of broken rock on the grassy hill sides, where they breed. The 
song is pretty and rather Accent or -like. 
Aceocepjialus bhtosescens. — Breeds abundantly in the Cashmir 
lakes. The nest is supported, about 18 inches above the water, by three or 
four reeds ; and is a deep cup, composed of grasses and fibres. The eggs are 
four ; very like those of A. turdoides, but the markings are more plentiful, 
and smaller. 
Acrocephaltts duhetobuh. — Migrates abundantly through Cis-Hima- 
layan Cashmir in the beginning of May. As I returned in June, I neither 
heard nor saw one. 
Acrocephalus agricolls. — Near Shupyion I found a finished empty 
nest of this truly aquatic warbler in a rose-bush which was intergrown 
with rank nettles. This was in the road side where there was a shallow 
stream of beautifully clear water. On either side of the road were vast 
tracts of paddy swamp, in which the natives were busily engaged planting 
the young rice plants. The nest strongly resembled that ol Curruca garrula. 
The male with his throat puffed out was singing on the bush, a loud 
vigorous pretty song like a Lesser White-throat s, but moic varied. I shot 
the strange songster, on which the female flew Horn the nest. This was 
the only pair of these interesting birds that I met with. I think, therefore, 
that their breeding in Cashmir is not a common oceunence. 
Dpmeticola major, sp. nov. 
Similar to I), affinis, Hodgson, but much larger ; measuring from 6 
inches to 6'3 inches ; wing 2'28 to 2'3 ; tail 2 7 ; bill at front '55 ; from 
gape *75 to *8 ; tarsus "87 ; mid toe and claw / 2 ; hind toe and claw *6 j tail 
excessively graduated, the outer feathers being 1 12 in. shorter than the 
central ones. The bill is long and compressed at the sides ; generally quite 
black, but sometimes dark brown with the lower mandible pale, except 
towards tip. Legs and feet pale flesh colour, with the claws a trifle darker. 
Irides dark brown ; lores whitish. A cream coloured supercilium. Cheeks 
